First, our wholehearted thanks for supporting the save-the-church project. With nearly 400 signatures, the petition was instrumental in the City Council's turning over the building to the Center. We want to bring you up to date as to what has been happening since then.
Our first step after the Council's action was to register the Center as a non-profit organization. With an architectural treasure on our hands, we had to figure out the nuts-and-bolts of preserving the building itself. But we were also convinced that it could and should be developed into a valuable community asset, a resource for everyone.
We then put together initial plans for building repair and renovation, use, funding, and ongoing operation of the property.
We adopted a name, "Sibyl Center for Life Enrichment," a description focusing on the ultimate purpose—to make the building a unique community setting for performances, meetings, music, and the arts. The name recognizes Sibyl MacDonald who taught piano to hundreds of young people over many decades in Stanley.
Projected renovation and preservation costs led us to set a fundraising goal of $200,000. In December we mailed 3000 letters to Stanley's alumni to kick-start the raising of funds (if you're a graduate of SHS, you should have received a letter and pledge/donation card). Our intent was to relieve the community as much as possible from the financial burden by raising a substantial portion of the money from former residents.
We had an excellent response to the mailing. By the end of January nearly $37,000 was raised in cash, pledges, and grants. Notably, more than 95% of the total and individual contributors have come from OUTSIDE Stanley.
We believe the generosity is the result of friends and alumni recognizing Stanley's outstanding spirit and community accomplishments. When people returned to their home town for last year's Centennial and reunion, they admired the new hospital, Catholic Church, aquatic center, and new homes and businesses. What a prairie highlight!
So where does the Sibyl Center stand today? As to the building itself, the roof received temporary winter repairs and is scheduled for a new roof this spring. We have contracted for installing new heating/airconditioning. Restrooms and handicap access are both in the planning stage with construction to be finished by summer.
In terms of organization, we've added an advisory council to help support the Board of Directors (the Board is made up entirely of Stanley residents). The advisory council includes both residents and former residents—each contributing expertise to the various categories of the Center's Operating Plan.
And we've launched a web site so that people everywhere can be kept informed about the Sibyl Center. You can see the site at www.sibylcenter.org/
We're planning to dedicate the Sibyl Center on July 4th with both celebration and events planned for July 4th and 5th. We've begun working on a dedication program to showcase the Center, a program that will attract a wide variety of interests.
Of course, much work needs to be done between now and then. We're banking on a significant amount of donated labor to keep costs to a minimum. But we must also look for further funds—we know that a first-class facility requires money. In addition to the $37,000 raised so far, there is $31,700 remaining from the $40,000 that was turned over to the city when the Presbyterian Church was decommissioned.
This leads to asking you to help to the best of your ability. We have enclosed a pledge card that gives you the opportunity to participate with time/money and, most of all, further support that you showed when signing the petition. Your donation is tax-deductible.
If you would like to more directly participate in the Center's efforts, we invite you to get involved with either the board or the advisory council. You can contact Stan Wright at 628-2628 or send email to info@sibylcenter.org
Again, thank you for your support and enthusiasm.
The Board and Friends of the Sibyl Center for Life Enrichment
PS: Plan to join your friends in Stanley for the Fourth of July in 2003 for the dedication of the Sibyl Center and the Music & Arts Festival! If you would like to perform during the Festival, let us know as soon as possible.
I have had the fortune of working with those involved in the project to rehabilitate and re-use the First Presbyterian Church in Stanley, ND. The community of Stanley is progressive in taking the steps necessary to reverse the trends of decline in rural North Dakota. I commend the City Council and the members of the Board of Directors for the Sibyl Center in being able to see a bright future.
Tourism is the number two industry in North Dakota, and recent studies have shown that 63% of all tourists search for cultural events when traveling. Communities with good restaurants, camping, hotels, historic buildings and cultural event centers, capture those tourists, keep them in the community longer and as a result, those tourists spend more money. This benefits every business on Main Street!
The stage is set for all of this in Stanley, and the City Council is wise to understand the importance of being visionary where these issues are concerned. Historic preservation is cultural heritage and cultural heritage is economic development. Economic development provides local jobs to those doing restoration and rehabilitation work, and also offers the benefits of increased tourism.
Preservation North Dakota has taken an interest in the Sibyl Center project, and has offered a financial investment in the form of a $5,000 grant to be used towards the restoration of the historic property. I urge the City Council to make a similar investment in the future of the project and the opportunities it offers to the community of Stanley. Releasing the funds allocated for the adaptive re-use of the First Presbyterian Church building, would certainly be an investment that will benefit the entire community.
I thank you for doing your utmost to further this project, and for your continuing support of North Dakota's irreplaceable heritage.
